The New Normal

About 6 weeks ago my father-in-law, Steve, fell and broke his hip. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital for surgery and rehab, then was released for home care. My mother-in-law, Carole, is amazing - she's been caring for him around the clock. His hip is improving, but his degenerative neurological condition continues to progress in a downward direction making every move difficult.

Steve has been a vital, proud, strong, athletic guy his whole life, so this situation is extremely challenging for him. He used to read all day long, but now his double vision is so severe that he can't read any more. Mom or other visitors read the sports page to him, he listens to the radio a lot. He feels very blessed by his network of support and is accepting help well. We are grateful to all those outside the family that are sitting with him when we need it too.

On my days off now, I spend a lot of time helping Steve and Carole with financial issues, paperwork and care needs. I struggled with selfishness and mourned the loss of "my free time" at first. But, I've settled into offering myself in service to them, because I love them and want to bear their burdens. It's overwhelming at times, but such a privilege to serve. Our new normal is molding me into a better servant, and therefore, more like Jesus -- a good place to be.

Please pray for Steve and Carole as they walk this difficult path together. Thanks.

We Will Tell - Personal Story

Our family represents 3 generations at Grace Church -- my husband and in-laws for nearly 40 years; my daughter Sophie for 8 years; and me for 16 years (staff member for 6). Our overwhelming sentiment is that “God is doing amazing things at Grace, and we are so glad to be a part of it!”

Dana and I were neck deep in the Relocation process – from design to building to furnishing to finances. It was a labor of love to see our new facility born and now being used as a beacon of hope to our community. We not only invested considerable time and effort in the project, but also our money. For the past 5 ½ years, we’ve given generously beyond our tithe to support the building process. Why?

Why did we go out to eat minimally, continue driving our rusty 13 & 15 year old cars, and take limited or no vacations? Why did we make these & other lifestyle sacrifices? Because people matter…investing in eternity matters…investing in the lives of people we don’t even know makes ripples into eternity forever. No other investment here on earth can do that.

We took a step of faith with our faith promise and have seen God supply it in ways we never suspected – plus our cars are still running! Investing in life change brings a great return!

Long Absence

It's been a long time since I've written anything. The pace of life -- work, home, school, etc. has been very fast the past 6 or 8 weeks. Thankfully, our family broke free and spontaneously traveled to Niagara Falls last weekend. Days off converged. The weather was gorgeous. An affordable hotel room was available. Niki had a great time shooting photos and getting a change of scenery. Sophie loved staying in the hotel & eating out. Dana and I enjoyed getting out of the routine. I'd recommend driving the scenic route along the Niagara River and taking the extra time to visit the quaint town of Niagara-On-The-Lake. It is well worth it.

Our "New" Family

This is our new family -- Dana, me, Niki & Sophia. Our new daughter, Niki, has been with us now for over 3 weeks. It's gone by so fast. I was pretty scared before she arrived - wondering how I would do being the instant parent of a teen from a foreign land. We are all getting along great. Niki is very fun - full of energy, a zest for life. We've been laughing a lot - she has so many funny things to say. I admit I take life too seriously sometimes, and having Niki around has helped me & all of us lighten up. My favorite Niki quote so far is about the uniforms at Villa where she is going to school. Her comment was, "They kill the fashion!" I think she's right, but they do take the guess-work out of getting dressed in the morning.

Financial Peace University

I'm blown away by the response to the upcoming Financial Peace University! There will be at least 80 people starting the class in September. I was praying for 50 - God blew that one out of the water! It isn't too late to sign up either. If you or someone you know is interested, contact me by Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. Get ready to work hard and see your life change!

School Started

I can't believe the summer is over already and school is in session. Sophia was so nervous and didn't want to go back. She let me walk her to her class & meet her teacher. I even met the new principal which was awesome. Hopefully, all will go well at Tracy Elementary this year.

Niki, our exchange student from Greece, started school Monday at Villa. She's had a couple of days to break in to the new routine. Girls there are welcoming her and inviting her to eat lunch, etc. which is really nice to hear. A neighbor also invited her down to visit with friends this week which was awesome. We are learning that 15 year olds far from friends IM a lot -- we've even used her webcam to talk to them with her. It's been fun.

We are going to our first Prep vs McDowell game since we graduated from high school this Friday. Having a teenager opens up some fun!

How do you make extra money?

Do you want to make some extra cash to save, give or pay down debt? Dave Ramsey talks about "selling so much stuff that the kids think they are next." Last weekend our neighborhood hosted its annual block sale. It was a great time to mix and mingle with people of all kinds, wheel & deal like we were in a market stall in Casablanca, get rid of stuff that weighs us down & make some extra money. We hate the preparation, but love the results.

In years past, we've donated most of the proceeds to the Grace Relocation Fund. This year even a couple neighbors brought us things to sell & donated their portion to church ministries -- it was really generous of them. This year we gave a percentage and used the rest to prepare for Niki with gifts, supplies, food, etc.

I heard an intriguing story on Marketplace on WQLN radio the other day too (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/13/change_hunters/) -- families who pick up loose change on the street. One family in NY City has found over $1,000 since the beginning of '08. Think of the good you could do with discarded pennies -- it only takes 100 to make a dollar.

How do you or could you earn some extra cash?

New Family Member

Today, Dana, Sophie & I welcomed a new family member! After years of waiting and wrestling with when and how to host a foreign exchange student - we are finally welcoming our first. Her name is Niki, and she is a 15 year old girl from Greece. We've e-mailed for months now and talked on the phone last week. It is an amazing responsibility and privilege to be watching over someone else's child for almost a whole year. It will be an exciting time.

I'm realizing that raising Sophia, the child God has entrusted to us, is like us watching over Niki. Sophie is His child, and He has given her to us to watch over for as long as He wills. I can't imagine sending her to a foreign land for a whole year. Niki's parents have trust and confidence in her -- and in us. May we be worthy of that trust. Please pray for us and for Niki as she makes the transition to American life.

Security Blanket

Did you ever have a special "security blanket" when you were a child? I did. It was my life-line for many years of my young life -- looking to it for comfort during storms, at bedtime and anytime I needed some reassurance. It was a shredded mess before I gave it to one of our puppies.

The EconoME sermon series this month has impacted me perhaps more than expected. The Lord has shown me that I have problem with misplaced "security." He's been leading me on a journey of discovery for the past month or so -- last week I finally admitted it to Dana and the Lord. I've realized that although it is wise to save and be prepared for emergencies I have been putting my "trust" in our savings account and not the Lord. It started subtly the way most sin starts -- and then snowballed into worry and anxiety that didn't go away, gnawed at my gut and caused me to get cranky for no good reason which effected our family life.

I have a renewed rest in my heart believing in the provision of our Abba God. He's the best security blanket we could ever have! What are you putting your trust in?

Fun Day

This is Sophia and her friend Anna on the carousel & "bumper cars" at Waldameer last week. She's driving already - yikes! Dana's office has a family picnic there every year, and we had a great weather day and a lot of fun.

Car Woes

One of our cars was in the shop AGAIN today. Last week our brake light came on and we started seeing little puddles under the car. I consulted the owners manual - they are very handy - and it said that our brake lines were probably leaking. Yuck! The mechanic agreed and fixed the problem today.

We haven't had to do much maintenance on this car in the past, but this year we've gotten clobbered! Since our cars are 12 & 14 years old, we set aside money every month for car maintenance. That fund has a negative balance right now, so we had to tap the emergency fund. Next week the mirror I ripped off backing out of the garage will get fixed - another $200 or more. It is tough to part with any money we've saved in the ER fund - but we've had to remind ourselves that it is there for times like these.

Please pray our cars will stay relatively healthy the rest of this year 'cause we aren't ready to replace them! Do you have a car story??

Honesty is the Best Policy

Have you ever been shopping and found that the store made an error in your favor? A couple of months ago, we had an uncomfortable decision to make. We bought a wall decoration that we'd be watching for months. It never went on sale, but we decided to buy it anyway due to a 20% off coupon we had. When we went to buy it, the cashier had trouble with the coupon, but it eventually worked. We paid for the item and went home. Then, I looked at the receipt. The price was lower than it was supposed to be! Cool, right?

A couple of thoughts ran through my head: 1. Do nothing and get a good deal; 2. Call and tell the store what happened -- risking the better deal. We talked and decided that we had to be honest about it. I called the store, talked to an employee who said she'd have to ask the manager when she arrived & that she'd call me back. I felt sure that we'd be paying the difference. After several hours, she called and said, "No one ever calls to tell us we made that kind of mistake. Because you were honest, we're going to let it go." Wow!

"Because you were honest..." It felt so good to do the right thing and to be rewarded for it! What kind of God impression did that leave on those women? The next time you wonder if you should be honest, take the risk.

Look for another story or two on this subject in coming posts -- one about my nephew and one about my "old" grocery store habits.

Getting on the Same Page

I thought that Dana and I were doing a better job at tracking together financially. We had a great talk in the car on the way to Boston and wrote down some goals and hopes that we both agreed on. I felt good about where we were headed.

Last week I came to the shocking realization that we are NOT on the same page. We even had an argument. It is very unsettling to me. Somehow we need to carve out time to refocus and start moving in the same direction again.

Dave Ramsey talks about women having a "security gland." I know I have one. When something happens that upsets my feeling of security - watch out. Not being on the same page financially is one of those things.

God left me and everyone else that struggles with security some help in Matthew chapter 6: "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What will we eat? or 'What will we drink?...for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."

Finiancial Discoveries

I made some discoveries this week while trying to organize our finances:

• When I don't go to the grocery store, I don't spend money on food making it easier to stay within our grocery budget - this is my #1 overspending budget category. There are fewer things to eat in the cupboard/frig - but still stuff to eat. I usually shop weekly, maybe I need to go twice a month?
• Using a credit card to buy stuff: delays expenses often throwing the budget off, causes overspending (studies show that you spend 12-18+% more if you use plastic over cash), causes me a headache.
• Using cash for certain budget categories is freeing. We went out to dinner last weekend and took the cash we've budgeted for "eating out." Guess what? We only spent that much money - no overspending and no delayed expense. We are going to use cash for more categories.
• Switching insurances in the middle of the year has left us with a few extra medical bills to pay - ugh.
• God brings peace over every situation - even money. We need to invite Him in, do our part and watch Him work. Prayer really does work!

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 4:6-7

Thankful for Childcare

To Sophie's shock and surprise, I don't get to take the summer off from my job. So since school's out, I've had to figure out childcare for Sophia on my 3 work days. It is mind-bending to keep the schedule sometimes. Yesterday, she spent a chunk of the day with her 2nd cousin in the Belle Valley area. Today, she is with her friend Jenna. Her Mom, Sherry, used to watch her before she was in school. We are trading childcare this summer again, so I'll be watching Jenna too. A couple of weeks ago, she spent a day at our neighbors' house. I have their kids one day a week during the school year too - which is a lot of fun. We are so grateful for playdates and childcare trading. It is a life saver and very helpful to the budget.

Grandma and Grandpa Mintsiveris are our rocks for childcare! They have Sophie once a week after school and during the summer. We know this is special and are incredibly blessed by it. They love having her and look forward to spending one-on-one time with her. Thanks mom and dad!

Have you traded childcare with anyone?

Cute Car

Good friends of ours recently traded in their pick-up truck for a Honda Fit! Yes, they went from driving a big-rig to subcompact car. They both drive 20+ minutes to work one way. Their truck was aging and eating gasoline like candy. So, after test driving a bunch of vehicles, they chose the cute, fuel-efficient Fit.

I got to see the car last week and loved it! It looks tiny on the outside, but it is roomy and comfortable - especially compared to our 1996 Civic coupe. The cargo space doesn't compare to a trunk, but it's still adequate -- and, the back seats fold or can be tucked away so you can haul stuff in the back. There are many other neat design features as well. Best of all, my friends love it -- the price was affordable; it is fun to drive; and they are getting 34 mpg in town which is much easier on the wallet.

We're still saving up to buy our next pre-owned car -- when we're ready, we need to look at this one. In the meantime, to deal with rising gas prices, we're driving less and using the car that gets the best mileage. Dana is biking to work a lot too. What are you doing to combat the high prices?

Check out the EconoME sermon series at Grace Church during July. It will be great teaching on financial topics from a biblical perspective.

Good to be home

It is good to be home during the day with Sophia today. It has been a busy day, but everything just seems better at home. I've made multiple phone calls coordinating details of life. Got an unexpected call from my cousin whom I don't see very often - it was great to renew our friendship and plan to get together. And George from Abbott Pest Control was here. He took care of our ant problem and was extremely nice.

When the business was done, Sophie and I could actually have some fun. We washed her ceramic goose named Bruce and dressed him in silly outfits. Now she wants to take her savings money to the bank - $16 more to deposit. She says she is saving to buy a husky or some other dog. We're not ready for a dog yet, but it is a good goal.

I need to make sure I spend some time really playing with Sophia this weekend. Life gets in the way too often.

The HSA

Dana and I entered a new world in health insurance -- an HSA (health savings account) plan through his employer. An HSA is a bank account for medical expenses. It's been an option for a couple of years, but due to the very high deductible, we were reluctant to do it. Our health insurance premiums have gone up by double digits several years in a row, and a majority of the premium comes out of our pocket. So, we decided to take a serious look at the HSA/high deductible option. (We are grateful for the access to health insurance and for the employer contribution we receive. If your employer covers most or all of your insurance costs, thank them! It is very expensive!)

The HSA plan deductible is very high, but our main preventative care is covered without the deductible. The difference in premium costs from our HMO was significant, especially when you factor in our relative health and small family size. We are putting all the premium money we saved into the HSA for now to build up the account.

The only downside so far is timing. Instead of changing insurances at the end of the year like we always did, the company had to make the changeover now. We had already met our full family deductible for the plan year -- ugh, now we have to start over. No fun since it has financial consequences. Once we get over the pain, I think it will serve us well. God willing! Pray we aren't hospitalized anytime soon.

Boston Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial was haunting. There was steam wafting up the series of four towers to signify smoke from gas chambers. Serial numbers of those who died were etched in the glass along with quotes by survivors about the horrors they endured. Has the world learned from this?

The memorial said that the US knew about the atrocities in 1942 but did nothing. Many European citizens turned a blind eye. Not the Danish people - they mobilized and evacuated 7,800 Jews to nearby neutral Sweden, and 99% of Denmark's Jews survived the war.

I recently watched a PBS special on the Nuremberg Trials. The images of what happened to the Jews and many others who were sent to concentration camps were heart-wrenching. Dana and I were in Dachau, Germany several years ago. It was also a very moving experience.

What injustices do I/we turn a blind eye to? What kind persecution is happening around me or around the world right now? I am so insulated.

Waldameer, Little Earners & Ants

I woke up this morning to 3 scurrying children excited about what the day would bring. The cousins love being together and have big plans. They went off to Waldameer and now it is starting to thunder. I hope they can still enjoy the day there somehow. Waldameer savings tip: buy your admission tickets through your school when they sell school picnic tickets. They are hugely discounted and can be used anytime in May, June or mid-Aug through closing time in Sept. They can be used the following season for a very modest upgrade charge.

The kids also wanted to earn some money today and offered to clean! They straightened the basement and Sophia's bedroom to earn some extra cash. They are starting to understand that getting money is tied to working! Sophia is always more motivated to clean when other kids are around to work with too.

We have carpenter ants! Have seen them around the house and called the "ant man." He verified the need to treat them. I feel sick about it and hope that little damage has been done. One more unplanned expense to deal with though. Thankfully, the house maintenance fund has some ready cash in it.

The Car

Ok, I tend to consider myself a good, confident driver. I've had a few close calls lately though -- some are caused by being distracted, others by being in a hurry or not seeing something in my blindspot; some are because someone else is doing something stupid.

Sunday I was backing out of the garage in Dana's car. It is a tight fit. You have to really be paying attention not to bang up the car. I don't drive it that often. Sophia was talking at me and there was an infant exersaucer in the back seat taking up precious viewing area out the back window. I backed up but was distracted. And ripped the left side mirror off the car!!!!!! Thankfully, there wasn't any other damage. But not what I wanted to be dealing with on the way to church.

It also wasn't what I wanted to be dealing with financially. We have already spent hundreds of dollars on car maintenance this year for both aging cars -- a 94 Accord and a 96 Civic. (I vow to drive them until they drop). Our car maintenance fund is in the negative column. Dana got an estimate to repair it yesterday - almost $300! Ouch! We need to fix it soon for safety reasons. We'll need to tap the emergency fund for this one. It hurts to use any of it, but that is what it is there for.

Company Coming

This week we've been madly preparing for another round of house guests. Someone said to me that our house is like "Hotel Mintsiveris" in the summer. They are right! For the next couple weeks Dana's sister and family will be with us. The kids play hard all day long. It will be crazy and fun.

The chance to spend intense time with family and friends is a privilege. We love giving people a place where they can feel comfortable and welcome. Part of having company involves preparing for meals, making sure you have enough toilet paper, cleaning, making beds, etc. There are financial implications too. We spend a lot more money on food and supplies and utilities than we normally do. I try to shop wisely (at places like Aldi) and not over buy, but I still spend more. I'm trying my best not to become anxious. Organization and planning help a lot but we still need to be careful.

In mid-August we welcome a long-term guest -- an exchange student from Greece! Nikki will be with us for 10+ months for the '08-'09 school year. It will be an exciting adventure. I need to start planning now.

Financial Peace

This week I've been feeling overwhelmed by finances. Since we got home from vacation last month I haven't had a chance to get organized. When I'm not organized, I get anxious and worry that we've overspent. We've been spending a lot lately too - so that only adds to the tension and anxiety. To make it worse, my Excel program got wiped out on my computer, so I couldn't access my tracking spreadsheet!

I'm the stewardship director, so I'm supposed to have all my finances neat and tidy and perfect, right? I'd love to say that is true, but it isn't. We are on a financial journey and don't have it all figured out. Thankfully, we are going in the right direction.

Last night I was finally able to sit down and work out all the numbers. I felt a sense of relief and peace knowing that everything was alright.

Looking forward to bringing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University to Grace this fall. It will be life transforming for anyone who applies the principles - including me.

Donald and Me

This is Donald (my fabulous Boston Freedom Trail tour guide) and me outside Faneuil Hall. He was dressed as James Otis who was an expert orator and important catalyst to the early revolutionary movement.

Boston Pics

This is the Boston Public Library at dusk. Architects were McKim, Mead & White. Built in the late 1800s.

Moving Stinks

Spent most of the day yesterday with a neighbor friend (Erica) who is moving to NC next week. I've known her for 1 1/2 years and feel like we've known one another for a lifetime. We connected instantly. Erica has a magnetic personality that instantly puts you at ease. We love to talk about lots of subjects & can go on for hours if we aren't careful. We trade playdates for our kids regularly, backed each other up when we were going to be late for the bus, cried on each other's shoulders, laughed, ate together. Our daughters got to be very good buddies too. It is rare to find a friend you feel so comfortable with so quickly. I'm really going to miss her - and I know a lot of other people are too.

A very close couple to us is also moving this summer. Danny and Angela have become family to us and our extended family here in Erie. We've shared many meals, laughter, tears, garden space, walks and much more. We'll miss them very much and so will many, many others.

Sometimes I feel like erecting a wall around myself and not letting anyone get in so I don't have to experience the pain of this kind of loss. Protectionism leads to a dull and self-serving life. God made us to reach out and connect with other people and to share life with them - it brings such joy but also causes pain. It is the risk I'll continue to take.

The Bike

My husband (Dana) has wanted me to have a bike for several years. I resisted year after year - not because I don't love to exercise and be outdoors - but because I didn't want to spend the money. Like a lot of people, we experience financial pressures and often have different financial goals. My goals: stability, get the emergency fund fully funded, give generously to the Lord's work and to causes we believe in, and stay within the boundaries of our "budget." Dana agrees with all of these things but needs to have more freedom to spend and see the fruits of his labor. He is also a very giving person and derives much pleasure in giving gifts to others. But differing viewpoints creates tension.

I finally realized that Dana wasn't going to rest until I had a bike. So, I looked around at local bike shops and test drove a few "comfort" bikes. They look like mountain bikes but have much taller handlebars. Memorial Day weekend I made the big purchase (using some of our economic stimulus check). I ride it almost every day either alone, with Sophia or Dana or both. I really love it!

It was hard to plunk down the cash, but I see it as a long-term investment in myself and my family. Money well spent.

PS - We decided to give away 1/2 of our ecomonic stimulus check. Dana got to buy a recliner with the rest for a room we've been slowly working to finish - it was a great deal at Marshalls.

Random thoughts on Boston

I love public transportation! It so efficient and so cheap! Wish I could use it in Erie. Used to take metro & bus to work in DC and loved it too. Dana was a bus user when we lived in the City of Erie and loved it.

Bostonians were generally welcoming and helpful. A few folks could we were trying to find our way around and offered their help. It was very nice. We were surprised that many people were familiar with Erie too.

On the other hand, I noticed how many people don’t make eye contact in larger cities. I decided to look at people in the eye and smile and say “hello” to spread some extra friendliness. It was well received and fun to do!

Fish Story

Last week, I noticed that our beta fish (named Bloop) didn't look very good. I was afraid he was going to die very soon and mentioned to Sophie that he looked sick. Bloop was her very first pet -- purchased about 14 months ago. He died last Thursday morning. I didn't expect Sophia to feel such deep emotion over the loss. She cried for 30 minutes before school -- and then again after school for a while. I comforted her. We buried him in our "pet cemetery" out back. She made him a grave marker out of a stone. This was very important to her.

I promised that we'd get another fish right away. That evening we went to Buzz n' Bees and picked out a beautiful and unusually colored beta to keep our snail (named Mrs. McCreedy) company. His name is Blub. So far, he's doing quite well.

ReEntry Challenges

The peace and quiet and adult conversation we had on our mini-vacation were great. Then...we got home. ReEntry did not go well with our daughter. While we were away and her grandparents were watching her, she was angelic -- not one bit of fussing. The instant we saw her she started acting up; unfortunately it lasted for a couple of days. It put a wrench in the joy and the relaxation we gained from the trip.

We often feel like we are the only ones who deal with a challenging child. I talked to a friend at work last week. He told me that they have at least one major blow up at "reentry" time with their kids. It made me feel a lot better to know that we aren't alone.

While we were away, Dana and I started reading a book that Pastor Al recommended (and lent us) called 1-2-3 Magic for Christian Parents. We need some direction with our parenting and hope this gives some practical help -- we want to do our job better.

Great Water

Icelandic Glacial – complimentary bottled water from our Boston hotel - is the best water I’ve ever tasted. It is natural spring water from Olfus Spring in Thorlakshofn, Iceland. It is CarbonNeutral certified spring water. Their bottling plant is powered entirely by hydro-electricity and packaging is 100% recyclable. The Lenox is a Saunders Family hotel. They’ve earned awards for their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. It’s encouraging to see companies doing the right thing to steward the earth God gave us.

Freedom Trail

Wandered through the streets of Boston alone last Thursday. Boston’s Public Garden is breathtaking and full of life. (I'll post some pictures when I figure it out). People of all ages & races were using the park together. Flowering trees and plants were stunning.

Decided to walk the “Freedom Trail.” This is a series of sites significant in American independence from Britain. I found the starting point, bought a self-guided tour map and went outside to start. A man dressed in revolutionary war era garb was standing outside getting ready to lead a live tour. Compelled by the potentially lively experience, I traded my $2 map in for the $12 guided tour. In my “cheap” days, I wouldn’t have spent the money. It was some of the best money I’ve invested lately. Dana called during the tour and told me he was glad I decided to take the special tour! He’s seen me cheap.

Donald, the tour guide, is a professional actor who depicted Samuel Adams in a recent PBS special on John Adams. He loves history and made story of our quest for independence come alive. It was a wonderful tour and very fun. Met some nice people too. 3 young women – After I told them what I do, we talked about churches a bit which was interesting. They even let me tag along with them for a few minutes following the tour. I realized how much of a relational person I am - I really enjoy being with people and learning about them.

God gave me the chance to help someone again. I gave away a banana to a stranger asking for some change for something to eat. I didn’t miss it either – never felt hungry - and that is somewhat unusual for me!

Magnifying mirror

There is a very strange mirror in the hotel bathroom – it magnifies by about 10 times. I look at myself in it and see all my imperfections. Then I look in the “regular mirror” and things look much better – flaws are still there but not as noticeable. I’m thankful that God sees us magnified with every flaw showing and loves us still.

The Bread

Dana's architecture convention started today. We are staying in The Lenox Hotel in downtown Boston in the Back Bay area. It is beautiful and historic. I feel a bit uncomfortable and out of place. I've never experienced the services of a bell-hop; his name was Sid - he served with sincerity, grace and a big smile.

We ate dinner last night outdoors -- it's only 60 degrees, but it was so inviting. The food was really good - but there was too much. When it was time to leave, I felt that I should take the huge hunk of bread from the bread basket with us. I found a way to shove it into my coat pocket. I told Dana that we could give it to someone who needed it.

You see - in a few short hours, we had already seen many people sleeping on the steps of Trinity Church and in various other places. I felt sorry for them. Amid the plenty of the restaurants and night life, there were people hurting, hungry and poor all around. I wanted to take one of them my bread.

We walked around before going to the hotel and right in front of us we saw a young woman and a young man asking for money. I said to Dana, "I should give them the bread." So instead of some coins, I offered the young man the bread. He took it graciously and thanked me.

My brother used to (and may still) pack extra lunches daily in DC to give to the homeless there. Instead of walking by those men, he met one of their needs.

Traveling is Good Medicine

Dana and I hopped in the car yesterday and drove from Erie to Boston! After running around to get ready to go, it felt so good to just pull away from our house and hit the road. For us, there is nothing like a trip away from the "usual" routine to help refresh our tired souls.

The countryside between Erie and Boston is gorgeous and unspoiled. It is so amazing that the US still has thousands of miles of beautiful land. We'd recommend I-86 & Rt. 17 (with very little traffic) to anyone who needs some nature to recharge.

On the 7th Day, God rested. He told the Israelites to rest on the Sabbath. Jesus often got away from the crowds to rest and pray. My boss, Derek, recently told us a wise thing - "fruitfulness is formed out of rest." Rest is stewarding our bodies and lives well. We are guilty of not resting regularly. May this trip help us build the discipline of rest back into our daily lives.

The Chore Chart

My husband and I started a "chore chart" for our daughter Sophia about a month ago. We sat down and discussed with her the things she should be responsible for each day. It was very important to her that she agree with each decision.

The payoff for her is "pay day" at the end of each week. So, she wanted to know how much money she would get and how we would keep track. Being a creative child, she ran to her white board and drew a weekly calendar with the "jobs" written down. We mark down smiles for each completed activity. Each smile earns her .15 - if she doesn't do the thing with a good attitude or doesn't do it at all, then she gets a frown. They are worth nothing.

The payoff for us (we hope) is her increased sense of responsibility, a better attitude toward work, and the chance for us to teach her how to handle money well from a young age. We've been teaching her the importance of giving to the work of God and other worthy causes, of saving for future spending and for the unexpected, and of spending wisely.

She is only 8, but already has the urge to shop recreationally. She loves stuff and loves spending. She used to ask us often to buy her things that she wanted but didn't need -- like more WebKinz. Ever since she started earning her own money, we've seen a change in her attitude toward and relationship to money. She actually cares about saving now! She even saved most of her birthday money - in order to start a savings account at the bank! That is real progress. We have a long way to go, but the fruit is beginning to form.